I’m a bit at a loss here. My sweet old lab, Max, has been dealing with chronic pancreatitis for a while now, and recently he’s been acting really off—like not his usual self at all. This morning, he wouldn’t even touch his breakfast, and now I'm noticing he’s super lethargic, just lying around like he’s sunk into the couch. It's breaking my heart to see him like this. We’ve been to the vet multiple times, and they’ve got him on a special diet, but I’m wondering if there’s anything else I should be asking them to check? Is there some kind of test or something I might be missing? I just want to make sure I’m doing everything I can for him. Any advice would really help!
I completely understand why you're worried. Chronic pancreatitis can be a tricky condition to manage in our furry friends, and you're doing a great job by seeking more information. When dealing with chronic pancreatitis, there are several tests that can provide a more complete picture of your dog's health.
First, consider asking for a complete blood count (CBC) and chemistry panel if they haven’t been done recently. These tests can help assess overall health and identify any organ dysfunctions. A specific test that’s often very helpful is a serum canine pancreatic lipase immunoreactivity (cPLI) test, which evaluates pancreatic inflammation more directly.
Ultrasound of the abdomen can be valuable too. It provides a detailed look at the pancreas and surrounding organs, helping identify any abnormalities or secondary issues such as gallstones or liver problems.
At home, ensure your dog is on a low-fat, easily digestible diet, as this can help manage pancreatitis symptoms. Keep an eye on any changes in appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, or lethargy. If these symptoms appear or worsen, it might be time to act quickly.
If you're seeing any of these serious signs or just need peace of mind, I highly encourage you to book a video consult with one of our veterinarians through Dial A Vet. They’ll help guide the next steps in your dog's care.
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